While Roach has predicted a knockout win for Pacquiao, he wants to be sure that the Filipino star takes the early rounds and go for a KO win if Pacquiao finds an opening.
“Our game plan is to win every round. If we get the knockout, then that’s just a bonus. Floyd will dip into Manny’s power. That’s the mistake that someone will make against a southpaw. We have to win the first round and take Floyd out of his comfort zone.” Roach said.
It wouldn’t be much of a problem for Pacquiao to score and pile up points because of the volume of punches that he throws the moment he sees an opening.
Pacquiao is a good follow-up fighter. The moment he lands a power shot on target, he is quick to launch a rapid assault that usually keeps his opponent on his toes..
It is possible Mayweather will try to confront Pacquiao briefly in the early rounds or even in the first round. It would very risky for the unbeaten champ to do knowing Pacquiao’s speed and power but he might just do it to lure Pacquiao to the pocket for a clean shot.
Because of the risk in going toe-to-toe with Pacquiao, there is a slim chance Mayweather will engage Pacquiao in the early rounds. Most likely, he will do his usual hit and run attack mode while feeling Pacquiao for the necessary adjustment as the fight progresses..
Scoring points in the early rounds is just one of the options that Roach and Pacquiao have considered.
What Roach did not disclose is the real game plan that he and Pacquiao have prepared for the Mayweather fight. Roach is worried that his secret game plan might fall into the wrong hands.
“I have a rule in training camp this time that if you aren’t being productive in the gym for training, then you can’t be around. The strategy of this fight is very important and different from past fights. We can’t have any spies in the gym; we are just working on the game plan and focusing on what Floyd is doing. I know how Floyd sets up people and makes them walk into shots, said Roach who will be closing the Wild Card Gym where Pacquiao will be holding his sparring sessions.
Roach has received reports that some members of the Mayweather camp have reportedly talked with Pacquiao’s sparring partners to dissuade them from working with camp of Pacquiao.
